--- title: "Notary Stamp vs Seal: Is There a Difference? | MCC Solutions" description: "People use the words interchangeably, but ink stamps and embossers differ. See what each is and what states usually require. Need a notary? Book online." url: "https://mcc-solutionsnj.com/notary/guides/notary-stamp-vs-seal-whats-the-difference" --- Guide · Updated October 12, 2026 # Notary Stamp vs Seal: What's the Difference? Customers often ask for a seal, a stamp, or a raised seal. The words overlap, but understanding them helps you know what you are getting and when something extra is needed. By [Matthew Coleman](/about), MCC Solutions **Quick answer.** In everyday use a stamp and a seal both mean the mark a notary puts on a document. Some states use seal to mean an ink stamp and others mean an embosser that raises the paper, so the legal term in your state matters more than the product name. Need this notarized? Sign online from home with no travel fee, or ask for a notary to come to you. The price is shown and confirmed before any work starts, and you can book in about two minutes. [See your price and book](/notary/#order)[Call (908) 444-6373](tel:9084446373) **Related:** [How long a notary keeps the journal](/notary/guides/how-long-to-keep-a-notary-journal) · [Who can witness a signing](/notary/guides/who-can-and-cannot-be-a-witness-to-a-signing) · [How much a NJ notary can charge](/notary/guides/how-much-does-a-notary-cost-in-new-jersey) **Free tools:** [Notary fees by state](/notary/fees-by-state) · [Printable notary journal template](/notary/notary-journal-template) ✓ New Jersey commissioned notary, no. 50244803, insured for errors and omissions. [See the credentials](/about/credentials) ## Two words, one idea In everyday talk, a stamp and a seal both mean the mark a notary puts on a document to show an official act took place. In some states the law uses the word seal for an ink stamp. In others, a seal can mean an embosser that raises the paper. Building a notary business? [The loan signing agent course](/courses/loan-signing-agent). The legal term in your state matters more than the shop name for the product. When a customer says they need a raised seal, ask whether the receiving office specifically asked for an embosser. Often they simply mean the official stamp, and the extra tool is not needed. ## Ink stamps An ink stamp is a rectangular or round rubber or self-inking stamp. It usually contains the notary's name, the words Notary Public, the state, and a commission number or expiration date, depending on the state. A good impression is dark enough to scan or photocopy clearly. Smudged or faint stamps cause rejections. Self-inking stamps are convenient for mobile work because they need no separate pad. The trade-off is that the ink eventually runs dry, so notaries often carry a small refill or a spare stamp for busy days. ## Embossers An embosser is a hand press that makes a raised design in the paper. Some states require an embosser, a few allow one in addition to an ink stamp, and others never require it. An embossed mark alone is hard to photocopy, so many notaries add an ink version. Some foreign offices like to see an embossed mark, so confirm with the receiving office. Ink on a raised seal can improve photocopies. Some notaries rub a pencil lightly over an embossed area to make it visible, but that is a convenience trick and not a replacement for a stamp where one is required. ## What goes on the stamp Content rules come from the state. Common items are the notary's name as commissioned, the commission number, the county or state, and the expiration date. Extra decorations, logos or ads are usually not allowed. If your name or commission details change, you need a new stamp that matches. Check your impression against the sample in your state's handbook when you receive a new stamp. Small errors in spelling, the commission number or the expiration date are easier to fix before the first signing than after dozens of documents. ## Electronic seals For remote and electronic notarizations, the seal is a digital image or data attached to the document. The same content rules usually apply, and the electronic version must be tied to the document so it cannot be lifted and reused. Platforms often handle the attachment for you. Never keep a loose digital copy of your seal on an unprotected computer. ## Care and ownership In many states the stamp belongs to the notary, even when an employer pays for it. Keep it locked when not in use and never let anyone else use it. If it stops printing cleanly, replace the pad or the whole stamp. ## Common questions **Do I need both a stamp and an embosser?** Only if your state or the receiving office requires both. Most notaries use an ink stamp alone. **Can I order a stamp from any online shop?** Use a vendor that follows your state's format, since wrong content can invalidate the stamp. ## More notary guides - [Can a Notary Notarize for Family Members?](/notary/guides/can-a-notary-notarize-for-family-members) - [What Happens if the Notary's Commission Expires Later?](/notary/guides/what-happens-if-the-notarys-commission-expires-later) - [Apostille, Authentication, Legalization: What's the Difference?](/notary/guides/apostille-authentication-legalization-whats-the-difference) This guide is general information, not legal advice. Fees and procedures change; check with the office involved or an attorney for your situation. Let us handle it [### Mobile Notary A mobile notary near you in New Jersey, at your home, office, hospital or job site. Affidavits, powers of attorney, vehicle titles and business documents. Book online. Mobile notary →](/notary/mobile-notary)[All guides](/notary/guides) Reach notaries, signing agents and people getting documents notarized or apostilled who read this guide: [advertise here](/advertise#notary). Do it yourself ### New Jersey Notary Starter Kit The paperwork a new notary has to build from scratch, ready to print or edit: a journal laid out for what New Jersey's manual says to record, checklists, forms and client emails. [See what's inside ($29)](/toolkits/nj-notary-starter-kit) [Free sample](/toolkits/nj-notary-starter-kit#free-starter)14-day full refund Document pack ### New Jersey Notary Starter Kit The paperwork a new notary has to build from scratch, ready to print or edit: a journal laid out for what New Jersey's manual says to record, checklists, forms and client emails. [See what is inside ($29)](/toolkits/nj-notary-starter-kit) Also in the [Notary Business Bundle](/toolkits/notary-business-bundle): 3 products for $59 instead of $77 separately. Built from the State of New Jersey Notary Public Manual. Check current rules with the state. Or start with the [free 5-part email course](/notary/start-a-notary-business-email-course). Working notary? Get [free rule-change alerts](/notary/rule-change-alerts). ## Rather have us handle it? Call the desk. [Book Now](/notary/#order)[Call (908) 444-6373](tel:+19084446373)